A sphere that produces drinking water thanks to the energy of the sun
Around 2.2 billion people are still denied access to drinking water around the world, while almost half of the global population (3.6 billion people) use inadequate sanitation, which can put public health at risk and environmental safety. Ensuring access to water for all is therefore a very current and still unsolved problem.
Making water usable is a challenge we are called to participate in globally. There are currently many studies looking for solutions for the creation of watermakers: MIT researchers have proposed an interesting device suitable for desert areas, curious machines have been created by imaginative entrepreneurs, such as the one that transforms air into water.
Another solution can be offered by this simple device, which uses solar energy to sustainably produce drinking water from seawater or any other water source not suitable for human consumption. This is a solution that could be accessible to everyone with minimal costs.
The transparent glass sphere, called HelioWater, collects non-potable water and heats it naturally thanks to the sun, reaching temperatures above 100°C, thanks to the addition of a solar panel, thus separating germs and bacteria. The water evaporates and condenses on the inside surface of the upper dome, forming drops. These, now drinkable, finally fall to the bottom like rain.
The sphere was designed to adapt to all environments where there is sun and a source of water to treat.
The system, developed by the Marine Tech company as part of a European project called HELIO, works autonomously, without emitting CO2 and reproducing a natural phenomenon: solar distillation.
It is one of the most economical and sustainable solutions to guarantee access to quality water. The process is completely autonomous and is based on evaporation, condensation and mineralization. Each sphere can produce up to 10 liters of water per day and has a lifespan of 30 years.
